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10 Of The Most Successful Kickstarter Campaigns Ever: Will Your Idea Be Next?

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Kickstarter has helped bring countless creative ideas to life by connecting people like you with passionate creators. Whether it’s cutting-edge technology or stunning works of art, the platform has launched some truly game-changing projects. Curious to see what’s made the biggest impact? Here are ten of Kickstarter’s most successful campaigns that have changed their industries—and might just inspire your next big idea.

1. Pebble Time Smartwatch

Pebble smart watch.
nukeaf via Shutterstock.

Pebble Time redefined crowdfunding success, raising over $20 million from more than 78,000 backers in 2015. Pebble promised a customizable smartwatch with a color e-paper display and extended battery life, appealing to tech enthusiasts and gadget lovers. Although the company eventually faced competition from major tech players and ultimately shuttered, Pebble’s legacy endures as a Kickstarter phenomenon and an early contributor to the smartwatch boom.

2. Coolest Cooler

coolest cooler.
coolest cooler via kickstarter.

The Coolest Cooler was an ambitious reimagining of a classic product – the cooler. With a raised total of $13.2 million, Coolest Cooler’s multi-functional design incorporated a blender, Bluetooth speaker, USB charger, and LED light, making it the ultimate tailgating or beach accessory. Despite production delays and some delivery issues, the project showcased how a familiar item could be enhanced with tech-driven features, capturing the imaginations of more than 60,000 backers.

3. Exploding Kittens Card Game

exploding kittens.
Penty Photography via Shutterstock.

Exploding Kittens is a lighthearted, humorous card game that became Kickstarter’s most-backed project by the number of individual backers. The project raised $8.8 million from nearly 220,000 supporters who were drawn to the quirky illustrations and gameplay concept. The creators leveraged humor and simplicity, creating a massive community that turned Exploding Kittens into a household name and a bestseller in retail stores.

4. Kingdom Death: Monster 1.5

Kingdom Death: Monster 1.5
Kingdom Death: Monster 1.5 via Kickstarter.

Kingdom Death: Monster 1.5 stands as one of the highest-funded board games on Kickstarter, amassing over $12 million from more than 19,000 backers. Known for its dark theme and complex gameplay, this tabletop game attracted a niche audience willing to invest in its detailed miniature figures and immersive storyline. Its success reflects the fervor for richly crafted, narrative-driven board games, solidifying Kickstarter as a viable launchpad for indie tabletop games.

5. Fidget Cube

Fidget cube.
Mercury Green via Shutterstock.

In 2016, the Fidget Cube took the internet by storm, capitalizing on the popularity of stress-relief toys. The pocket-sized gadget features different tactile buttons and switches that give users an outlet for nervous energy. Raising over $6.4 million, Fidget Cube became an international sensation, highlighting how Kickstarter can propel unique, seemingly niche ideas into the mainstream. Its success also foreshadowed the fidget spinner craze that followed.

6. Critical Role: The Legend of Vox Machina Animated Special

Critical Role: The Legend of Vox Machina Animated Special via Kickstarter.
Critical Role: The Legend of Vox Machina Animated Special via Kickstarter.

Critical Role’s The Legend of Vox Machina animated special was born out of fan enthusiasm. Originally aiming to raise $750,000, the project secured over $11 million, becoming the most-funded film project in Kickstarter history. With an immense following from their Dungeons & Dragons streaming show, the creators leveraged their existing fanbase to transform their campaign into a crowdfunded animation success. It demonstrates how fan-driven passion can lead to impressive funding milestones in the entertainment industry.

7. Reading Rainbow Relaunch

Reading Rainbow via Kickstarter.
Reading Rainbow via Kickstarter.

LeVar Burton’s campaign to revive the beloved children’s show Reading Rainbow became a standout success on Kickstarter. In 2014, the project raised over $5.4 million from more than 100,000 backers, far surpassing its original goal. The funds were aimed at developing a digital platform to bring Reading Rainbow to new generations, particularly for underfunded classrooms. Burton’s involvement and the nostalgic appeal resonated with fans who saw Kickstarter as a powerful tool to bring back cherished content for educational purposes.

8. OUYA Game Console

Ouya.
Nikoletta Lia Muhari via Shutterstock.

Before mobile gaming became as advanced as it is today, the OUYA game console aimed to disrupt the gaming industry by offering an affordable, open-source alternative. The Android-based console raised $8.6 million in 2012, drawing over 63,000 backers interested in its promise of democratizing gaming. Although OUYA ultimately struggled to compete with traditional consoles, it remains an iconic example of Kickstarter’s ability to raise funds for ambitious hardware projects.

9. 3Doodler

3Doodler via Kickstarter.
3Doodler via Kickstarter.

3Doodler brought the concept of 3D printing to the hands of everyday users. This handheld 3D printing pen, which raised over $2.3 million, allowed users to “draw” in the air, creating physical structures. With applications in education, art, and prototyping, 3Doodler found a global fanbase and became a staple product, sold in major retailers. Its Kickstarter success story is a testament to the platform’s ability to popularize innovative devices and make them accessible to the public.

10. Pono Music Player

Pono Music Player via Kickstarter.
Pono Music Player via Kickstarter.

Founded by musician Neil Young, the Pono music player aimed to revolutionize how music lovers experienced sound quality. Raising $6.2 million, Pono promised lossless, high-quality audio in a portable device, attracting audiophiles eager for an alternative to compressed digital formats. Although Pono faced challenges with production and market competition, it showed how Kickstarter could empower celebrities and artists to bring unique projects directly to their fans.

Key Takeaways from Kickstarter’s Top Launches

Kickstarter.
Kickstarter. II.studio via Shutterstock.

These top Kickstarter projects reveal important trends about the platform’s impact on innovation. Here are some key insights:

  • Niche Appeal and Community: Many of these projects, like Kingdom Death: Monster and Critical Role, catered to specific interests, showing that Kickstarter is a powerful platform for reaching passionate, niche audiences who might be underserved by traditional funding channels.
  • Familiar Products Reimagined: Projects like the Coolest Cooler and Fidget Cube demonstrate how Kickstarter can breathe new life into everyday items by adding fresh, inventive twists that capture consumer interest.
  • Celebrity and Fan Involvement: Celebrities like LeVar Burton and Neil Young leveraged their fame and fanbases on Kickstarter, proving that the platform can serve as a direct bridge between artists and their supporters.
  • Technology and Hardware Innovations: While creating tech products can be challenging, Kickstarter’s tech-driven successes such as Pebble Time and OUYA illustrate that backers are willing to support innovative ideas, especially when they promise to offer a unique experience.
  • Crowdfunding Entertainment Content: With The Legend of Vox Machina project, Kickstarter validated its potential in the entertainment industry by showing that a dedicated fanbase can bring content to life, bypassing traditional studio gatekeepers.

Conclusion

raining money.
Andrii Iemelianenko via Shutterstock.

The ten Kickstarter successes outlined here showcase the breadth of creativity and ambition that the platform has enabled. From tech gadgets to beloved games and media, Kickstarter has facilitated some of the most memorable product launches of the past decade, often with a surprising twist or a unique value proposition that traditional funding routes may overlook. With the continued growth of crowdfunding, Kickstarter remains a beacon for dreamers and creators eager to share their ideas with the world.

The Average Age of Retirement Around The World: 20 Countries From Youngest To Oldest

Happy senior couple.
Image credit NDAB Creativity via Shutterstock.

The average retirement age varies significantly around the world due to various factors such as economic conditions, life expectancy, government policies, and cultural norms. Here are 20 examples ranging from the youngest to the oldest retirement ages, with explanations:

READ: The Average Age of Retirement Around The World: 20 Countries From Youngest To Oldest

9 Of The Most Regretted Purchases People Still Regularly Make

Buyers remorse.
Image credit New Africa via Shutterstock.

Many people regret trying to keep up with the latest trends, whether it’s buying expensive fashion items, fancy gadgets, or luxury cars; the initial excitement often fades quickly, leaving behind feelings of disappointment. It’s essential to focus on what truly brings long-term satisfaction rather than chasing fleeting trends. Let’s take a look at a few trends and costly items that are best avoided. Read: 9 Of The Most Regretted Purchases People Still Regularly Make.